NT Police find driver at crash scene with stab wounds, arrest 22yo suspect

NT Police arrest 22yo man after 'very young' driver in Alice Springs crash found with stab woundsBy Gemma FergusonTopic:PolicePosted Mon 19 Oct 2026 at 10:17amMon 19 Oct 2026 at 10:17amA driver remains in hospital after single-vehicle crash in Alice Springs, with NT Police alleging the man was stabbed prior to the collision. (ABC News: Xavier Martin)NT Police have arrested a suspect in Alice Springs who they believe inflicted "life-threatening injuries" on a man who then attempted to drive his car, lost consciousness and crashed into a tree.According to NT Police, a single-vehicle crash was reported on Larapinta Drive, about 100 metres from the Telegraph Terrace intersection, around 6:30am on Sunday."The vehicle had crashed into a tree on the median strip with an adult male driver trapped inside," police said in a statement."Investigations indicated the male had suffered injuries inconsistent with a crash and was believed to have been assaulted with an edged weapon prior to entering the vehicle."Further investigations confirmed an assault had occurred at a location on Saltwell Street, with the 22-year-old offender known to the victim."The crash occurred on Larapinta Drive, between Telegraph Terrace and George Crescent, around 6:30am on Sunday. (ABC News: Xavier Martin)Speaking on ABC Radio Alice Springs this morning, Southern Watch Commander George Ciolka described the driver's injuries as "fairly substantial" and said frontline responders performed life-saving first aid before he was rushed to hospital.He said the "very young" victim — aged "well under 30" — attempted to drive after the alleged attack but appeared to lose consciousness before colliding with the tree."We've cordoned off the scene, he's been removed from the vehicle with the assistance of Northern Territory Fire [and Resuce] Services, he's been then conveyed to Alice Springs Hospital," Commander Ciolka said.Police have arrested a man they believe attacked the driver before his vehicle crashed into a tree. (ABC News: Xavier Martin)The watch commander said the driver "received immediate medical treatment", which "saved his life", and said the victim remained in a critical condition as of Monday morning.Police investigations are continuing and charges are yet to be laid, but Commander Ciolka said the matter will "be brought before the courts this morning".Authorities urge anyone with information to contact 131 444 and quote reference P26297171.The male driver was removed from the vehicle and taken to hospital in a critical condition. (ABC News: Xavier Martin)